USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Gazetteer and business directory of Rutland county, Vt., for 1881-82 > Part 11
USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Gazetteer and business directory of Rutland county, Vt., for 1881-82 > Part 11
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Samuel Burnell came to Brandon from Woodstock, Conn., in 1788, and settled on road 6, corner 7, upon the place now owned by his granddaughter, Sophia Ford. Mr. Burnell started for Brandon in March, 1787, arriving in Tinmouth on the 16th of March, where he remained one year, when he came to Brandon and built a log house a little west of the town farm. He was a resident of the township for more than half a century, was a Revolutionary soldier, member of the State Legislature and justice of the peace for many years, and respected by all. He died July 5, 1838, aged 80 years. His son Asa resided with the old people until their death, when the property reverted to him, and is now in the possession of his daughter Sophia.
Jabez Lyon came to Brandon from Woodstock, Conn., at an early date, and settled in the north part of the township, on road 6. Mrs. Lucy Spaulding, who now resides on Park street, at Brandon village, is a daughter of Jabez, and 84 years of age. She said her father resided in Brandon several years before her birth. Jabez was an upright man and much respected. He died March 16, 1843, aged 87.
Zephaniah Hack came to Brandon, from Taunton, Mass., in 1800. He settled upon the farm now owned by Sardis Hack, on road 42. Here he resided until his death, which occurred July 22, 1847, at the age of 83 years.
Silas Keeler came to Brandon from Chittenden in 1796. He leased the farm now in possession of Silas J. Keeler, on road 32, for a term, -" as long as wood grows and water runs." Here he resided until his death, which occurred August 16, 1845, in the 73rd year of his age.
Samuel Capron came from Mass. to Brandon, about the year 1805, and settled upon the farm now owned by his son, Chauncey, who is at present in
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TOWN OF BRANDON.
his 74th year, having spent nearly his whole lifetime on this farm. Samuel lived to see his seventy-fifth year, when he died upon the farm where he had settled. Chauncey has in his possession a gun which was used by his great grandfather, Jabez Lyon, Sr., in the Revolution. He has also several other relics, among which are button and spoon moulds, and a wooden canteen, (barrel shaped), which were owned by his great grandfather, Benj. Capron, who was one of the first settlers of Rutland.
John Knowlton came to Brandon from Whenem, Essex Co., N. Y., in 1815, and settled here permanently in 1823. He was a carpenter, residing in Brandon village. His sons, Julius A. and Gardner J., still reside in the town.
N. T. Sprague was born at Pomfret, (now Hanson) Mass., Jan. 23, 1786. At the age of thirteen he moved with his parents to Cavendish, Vt., where he resided a few years and then lived several years at Plymouth. At the age of 22 he commenced business for himself in Mt. Holly. He was for twenty- five years a merchant in that place, kept a hotel twelve years, and was at the same time extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, owning at one time five hundred acres of land in a body. He filled, at various times, acceptably and honorably, all the offices of that town in the gift of the people. He re- moved to Brandon in 1832. Having already amassed a fortune by his superior business ability, and by the practice of those old-fashioned virtues, industry, frugality and economy, he at once took a high rank among the wealthiest citizens, and was ever after prominent in the banking and other financial affairs of the town. He was director of the old Brandon Bank, and president of the First National Bank, till he was succeeded by his son, Hon. N. T. Sprague, Jr. He represented the town of Brandon in the Legislature for five years, making in all nineteen years of legislative experience. He was for several years one of the assistant judges of Rutland County. He voted eighteen times for President of the United States. He died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. R. V. Marsh, in 1876, in the 91st year of his age.
Rodney V. Marsh, the second son of Daniel and Mary Marsh, of Claren- don, was born July 11, 1807. After receiving his academical education, he came to Rutland and read law with Rodney C. Royce. He was admitted to the Rutland County Bar in 1832, and came immediately to Brandon, where he opened an office for the practice of his profession, and where he resided over forty years. In 1834 he married Eliza E., daughter of Hon. N. T. Sprague, who still resides in Brandon. Mr. Marsh early identified him- self with the temperance cause, and sustained by his own strict course what he recommended to others. He also early identified himself with the anti- slavery cause; and was found in the vanguard of the anti-slavery ranks some forty years ago. For three years in succession he was elected by the citizens of Brandon as representative to the General Assembly, where he was prom- inent, and at that time attracted much public attention. He continued to be a prominent member of society up to the time of his death, which occur- red at his residence in Brandon, on the evening of Friday, March 8, 1872, aged nearly 65 years.
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TOWN OF BRANDON.
John Conant, a native of Ashburnham, Mass., was born February 2, 1773. He came to Brandon in 1796, and purchased of Simeon King and Joseph Hawley, "one-half the mills and water power in the village," for the consider- ation of {160; deed bearing date December 23, 1796. He had served an apprenticeship to the trade of carpenter and joiner, and the knowledge thus acquired, added to superior mechanical talents, was of great service to him in the important business which he established, and in superintending the valuable buildings and works of his own, erected in after years. By subse- quent purchases he became the proprietor of the entire water-power in the village. In 1816 he built the stone grist mill, still standing at the head of the lower falls; and in 1839, he erected the brick mill below it, which at that time was one of the best structures of the kind in the State. In 1820 he erected the furnace in the village, the first blast of which was made in October of that year. To this establishment, long and familiarly known as "Conant's Furnace," is the village of Brandon chiefly indebted for the im- petus then given, and for its continuous growth and prosperity. No man's name, perhaps, has been more intimately associated with the town of Bran- don than that of John Conant ; not however on account of the public positions he has held, but from the nature, extent, and successful prosecu- tion of his business operations for a long series of years, which gave employ- ment to a large number of persons. He died June 30, 1856, in his 84th year. His sons, C. W. and John A., continued for many years in active business after their father's retirement. John A., now over 80 years of age, is living here in quiet leisure, honored and respected for his many virtues.
The Town Farm of Brandon is located on road 7, and contains about 150 acres. At present there are nine paupers who are supported here at the town's expense, of which three are insane. Charles H. Colson is the superintendent.
Stephen A. Douglass was born in Brandon village, in the house now owned by Mary F. C. Hyatt, on Grove street. Stephen's father died when Stephen was an infant, dying suddenly of heart disease while holding Stephen in his arms. He attended school at the old school-house on Park street, until he was about 15 years of age, when he went away to school and never resided in town afterwards. Among the last of his school days in Brandon, he boarded at the house of John Knowlton. His sister Sarah afterward attended school in town and boarded at Knowlton's house. She subsequently married a man by the name of Julius Granger and removed with him to Western New York.
The pleasantly located building at Brandon village, now occupied by the Brandon Graded School, was erected about fifty years ago, under the auspices of the Baptist denomination of this State, who established the school that the children of its members might receive a higher education in a school con- trolled by the Church ; but more especially it was to be a nursery for young men preparing for the ministry. The school was the object of much hope and solicitude on the part of the Baptists of the State, and the project was fondly entertained of ultimately making it a theological school.
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TOWN OF BRANDON.
The State was thoroughly canvassed in its behalf, and its friends contributed liberally. The citizens of Brandon village, without distinction of sect, sub- scribed a large sum. The venerable Dea. John Conant and his sons, C. W. and J. A., then in active business in Brandon, contributed the largest sum. The school was incorporated as the "Vermont Literary and Scientific Insti- tute." This cumbrous title soon fell into disuse, and it was known by the name of " The Brandon Seminary." In its early years the school was well patronized by the denomination which established it, counting among its stu- dents, representatives from nearly all the Baptist churches in the State, and also being well patronized by the town and vicinity. But like some other sectarian schools of that Church, in a few years it faded, and as a denomina- tional school it ceased to be an object of much interest to that Church.
During the remainder of its existence it was sustained as a local academic school, after having a principal of some other faith. Finally, about the year 1865, the project of converting it into a graded school began to be agitated. It was found by the terms of the charter, the property could not be sold. So after much consultation of authorities and several meetings of the trustees, it was resolved by them to lease the building and grounds to the village for a term of 999 years. The building was literally reconstructed, it being arranged in six large and well furnished school-rooms. In addition to these there were recitation and reception rooms, and laboratory, all being heated by steam, and with all modern improvements, at a cost of about $22,000. The school was opened with a fine corps of teachers on the Ist of September, 1868, since which time it has been in a flourishing condition.
The Brandon Library Association was formed November 27, 1862, and about 130 volumes purchased for a library. After a struggle for life, the Asso- ciation ceased to be and did not meet for a period of four years. On January 25, 1869, the library, by vote of the Association, was turned over to the Far- mers and Mechanics Club, who have from time to time added to it, until now it contains about eight hundred volumes of choice standard works.
The Farmers and Mechanics Club was organized in the winter of 1862-3, and met at the houses of the different members, on the itinerant plan; the evening being spent in comparing notes and conversing on the various matters pertain- ing to agriculture and mechanics. On the 7th day of Nov., 1872, the General Assembly passed an act of incorporation, giving the Club the privileges usually accorded to organizations of this kind. A Fair is held every fall, when a large display of agricultural products and implements may be seen. The roll of members has numbered three hundred; but by deaths, removals, etc., the number has been reduced, but the interest is still maintained.
There are eight different places where the inhabitants of Brandon have buried their dead, though several of them have long since been closed.
The first interments were made on the "June Farm," so called, in the south part of the township. Here we find many quaint inscriptions on the tomb- stones, among which is the following :- " In memory of John Ambler, who
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TOWN OF BRANDON.
died May 5, 1776, in the 42d year of his age. Also of Sarah, the wife of John Ambler, who died July 14, 1785, in the 55th year of her age.
" pray Children call as you pass by, And learn by us that you Must die ; We once in life Was blithe and gay, but Now Are Mouldering into Clay."
In Sugar Hollow, in the south-east part of the township, there is another old burial place, long since closed. Another was located on the farm of Abraham Gilber, one of the early settlers, and now in the possession of A. S. Cook, Esq., is still open for interments.
The burial ground in Brandon village was opened about the year 1793, and has become so full that it is now seldom used for interments.
In Forestdale there is another burial place often frequented.
In 1856 the Pine Hill Cemetery was opened with appropriate religious ceremonies, in connection with the burial of Isaac F. Merriam, M. D., the first tenant of the cemetery proper. The ample and attractive grounds of this cemetery were the gift of John A. Conant, Esq. Recently, a Receiving Tomb was constructed at the expense of Mrs. E. E. Marsh, who presented it to the town.
In 1877 the ladies of Brandon village formed themselves into a society known as the "Ladies Cemetery Association," for the purpose of raising funds to improve the cemetery grounds. About $1,300.00 have been raised since that time, of which $900 have already been expended in and about the ceme- tery, in building a wall, fountain, etc. The young ladies of the Association procured three hundred dollars, which was used in the purchase of gates for the grounds.
In addition to those already mentioned, the Roman Catholics have two localities, more exclusively their own, pleasantly situated and well cared for.
St. Thomas Protestant Episcopal Church, located at Brandon village, was organized June 15, 1839, by Royal Blake, Benj. F. Green, Charles Backus, Edward Sherman, Francis Webb, Charles Webb and James Briggs, seven members in all, Rev. Josiah Perry being the first pastor. The parish had no church edifice at this time, but soon afterward bought the upper room in the old Town Hall, (now Engle's Block,) and fitted it up for a chapel, with chan- cel, altar, lecterns and organ. The congregation used this chapel until the present church edifice was erected (1863). It is built of stone, Gothic style, and will seat comfortably 250 persons, the original cost being about $3,500, and is now, together with the grounds, valued at $8,000. The parish at present numbers about 100 communicants, with Rev. Henry Bedinger as rector.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, located at Brandon village, was organ- ized in 1801, by Daniel Pomeroy, with Elder Hulbert as pastor, and but few members. The membership has since increased to 135, with George W.
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TOWN OF BRANDON.
Brown for their present pastor. The present church edifice was erected in 1874, and is a commodious building, capable of seating 350 persons, and cost $13,000. The whole Church property is now valued at about $20,000.
The Congregational Church, located at Brandon village, was organized September 23, 1785, by Rev. Mr. Sell, of Dorset, and consisted of Jedediah Winslow and nine others. Mr. Winslow was the first deacon, and took charge of the services for several years, until their first pastor, Rev. Enos Bliss was settled. The first meeting-house was built of logs and stood near the center of the town. About 1797 or '98, the second house was erected upon the site now occupied by the present church. When nearly completed, it took fire and burned down; upon the old foundations they erected another, which yielded satisfactory accommodations until 1831. In April of that year the old church was demolished, preparatory to laying the foundation of the present brick structure. Its dimensions are 75 by 52 feet, and cost about $5,000. In 1858 it was thoroughly repaired at a cost of $3,000, and is now a neat commodious structure, capable of seating 450 persons. Rev. Walter Rice is the present pastor.
St. Mary's Catholic Church, located at Brandon village, was organized by Rev. J. Queillon, in 1852, it then consisting of 60 families. The church building was erected in 1853, and much enlarged and embellished in 1858, so that it is now capable of seating 550 persons. The society at present consists of about 75 families, with J. C. Mclaughlin as pastor.
Grace Episcopal Church, located at Forestdale, was organized by Royal Blake and others in 1842, with a membership of 12, and Rev. Mr. Perry as rector. The church building was erected in 1851, at a cost of $5,000, and is capable of seating 250 persons. The property has greatly depreciated in value, the whole at present being valued at only $3,000. The society now consists of about 25 members, with no regular pastor.
The Baptist Church, located at Brandon village, was organized, 1785, con- sisting of twelve members. In 1789 Mr. Isaac Webb was called to ordina- tion and settlement, the first pastor of the church and the first minister set- tled in the town. His pastorate was followed by that of twelve others succes- sively, the last of which has just terminated, the society being now without a pastor. In its infancy the society held their meetings in dwelling houses, with only occasional preaching. In 1790 a log house was constructed and occupied as a place of worship until 1800, when a commodious frame house was erected and occupied until 1832, when their present substantial brick edifice was completed and opened for use. The original cost of the structure, including the expense of its late reconstruction and improvement, may be estimated at $14,000, and the present value of church property, including buildings, $15,000. The seating capacity of the building will accomodate about four hundred and fifty persons. The present membership of the society is one hundred and sixty-five
RE
295
STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
RUTLAND COUNTY GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
CASTLETON, VERMONT.
ABEL E. LEAVENWORTH, A. M., Principal and Proprietor.
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TOWN OF CASTLETON.
ASTLETON is located in the western part of the county, in lat. 43º 34' and long. 3º 56' east from Washington, and bounded north by Hubbardton, east by Ira, south by Poultney, and west by Fairhaven, and a part of Benson ; the charter was granted to Samuel Brown, of Stock- bridge, Mass., by Gov. Wentworth, of New Hampshire, September 22, · 1761, and although granted to him there is no evidence that he ever acted with the proprietors, or that he ever retained any interest in the township. The original proprietors were principally from Salisbury, Conn., of whom one was named . Castle, a heavy proprietor, and from whom the township probably takes its name. In 1767, Cols. Amos Bird and Noah Lee surveyed the town and allotted the usual seventy shares, with five reserved for public purposes according to custom, and eleven years after this, March, 1777, it was organized, with Jesse Belknap as first town clerk.
The surface is diversified by hill, mountain, plain, lake, river and rill, has a salubrious climate, pure water, beautiful scenery, and in fact, every attribute for making it what it is, one of the most desirable and important towns of the county. The eastern portion is broken and mountainous, but still retains many fertile valleys, while the verdure of the mountain sides gives sustenance to large herds of cattle and sheep. Most of the western, and part of the southern section is a plain of the most fertile soil, though in some places in- tersected by slate-rock and ridges of slate-gravel. The rocks are chiefly argillaceous, occasionally traversed by veins of quartz, and again alternating with, or enclosing large masses of the latter rock ; small quantities of second- ary lime-stone are found in a few localities. Specimens of oxyd of manga- nese are found in the south-east part of the town. The rocks are disposed in elevated ridges in the eastern and northern sections, and in some places abrupt and precipitous, but for most part covered with fertile arable soil. The whole is watered by a number of streams, the most considerable of which is Castleton River, which flows across the southern part, receiving the waters of Lake Bomoseen, into Fairhaven, where it joins Poultney River. Near the central part of Castleton it is joined by a mill-stream of some con- siderable size, called North Britain Branch. The outlet of the lake has sufficient fall to afford a very good mill-privilege. "Bomoseen " is supposed to be an Indian name, meaning " pleasant water"; apt and poetical it is too, as indeed most Indian names are, for the lake and its surroundings are in- deed beautiful. It lies in the western part, extending across nearly the whole length of the town, and a short distance into Hubbardton ; it is eight miles long, and two and a half wide at its greatest breadth, lying in a basin of rocks, and in some parts of great depth. An island containing an area of about ten acres is situated near the centre, covered with small trees and shrubs, affording a charming summer resort for parties of pleasure, and adding much to the beauty of the scenery.
Under the auspices of the Rutland County Historical Society and the citizens of Rutland County, a celebration was held on Mason's Point, July 4,
-7
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TOWN OF CASTLETON.
1881, for the purpose of conferring a name upon this Island, about fifteen thousand people being present. Hon. J. B. Bromley, of Castleton, was chosen president, and Hon. Henry Clark, of Rutland, chairman of the his- torical exercises. The following was the order of proceedings :-
" Ist, Music by the cornet bands of Castleton and West Rutland; 2d, Prayer by Rev. E. T. Hooker, of Castleton; 3d, Opening Address by Hon. Henry Clark, of Rutland; 4th, Address of Welcome by L. W. Red- dington, of Rutland; 5th, Reply by Dr. James Sanford, of Castleton ; 6th, History of the Island, by Dr. John M. Currier, of Castleton ; 7th, Reminis- cences of Lake Bomoseen, by Dr. A. T. Woodward, of Brandon; 8th, His- torical Address by A. N. Adams, of Fairhaven ; 9th, Poem in the Welsh language, by Roland Walters, of Castleton; roth, Poem by James Hope, of Watkins Glen, N. Y. ; 11th, Early Military History of the region around Lake Bomoseen, by Henry Hall, of Rutland; 12th, Proposal of the name NESHOBE, for the Island, George M. Fuller, of Fairhaven ; 13th, Address upon the appropriateness of the name, by Capt. Abel E. Leavenworth ; 14th, Adoption of the name, by cheers from the crowd, music by the bands, firing of salutes, waving of flags, and breaking a bottle of milk upon the rocks of the Island."
On the east side of the lake is a very pleasantly situated hotel, called the Pic-Nic House, connected by steamboat with the R. R. Depot at Hydeville, which is much resorted to by pic-nic parties and pleasure seekers ; it was built in 1876, and is still owned by Marquis Bixby.
In 1880 Castleton had a population of 2,605 ; it was divided into twelve school districts, with fourteen common schools, employing four male and nineteen female teachers, at an aggregate salary of $2,335.30. There were 533 pupils attending the schools, and the entire cost of the schools for the , year ending October 30th, was $2,667.79, with Mr. J. E. Metcalf, superin- tendent.
The Delaware and Hudson Canal Co's R. R. crosses the southern part of the town from east to west, and at Castleton village is intersected by the Rutland and Washington R. R. from the south.
CASTLETON, a post village and station on the D. & H. C. Co's R. R., is very pleasantly situated on the southern bank of Castleton River, on a level plain, elevated about thirty feet above the stream. Main street, extending east and west, crossed at right angles by South street, form the two principal streets. The dwellings, about 150 in number, are remarkable for a uniform neatness and convenience. In the village are four houses of worship, a town-hall, a dozen or more stores, and the Rutland County Grammar School building, beautifully situated at the head of Seminary street. (See Cut, opposite page 97.)
As early as the year 1786, the citizens of Castleton initiated plans for the establishment of a grammar school. The money was raised, a building was erected a little to the east of the present site of the Methodist church, the land having been donated for the purpose by Samuel Moulton, and a school was begun.
October 15, 1787, the General Assembly passed the following Act :-
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TOWN OF CASTLETON.
" Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont; That the place for keeping a County Grammar School, in and for Rutland County, shall be at the house commonly known by the name of the New School House, near Doctor William Wolcott's, in said Castleton : Provided, That the County of Rutland shall not be at any cost or charge in completing or repairing the same."
The school was continued in this building until 1800, when it was con- sumed by fire, and it is authentically stated to have been the third school, in order of time, of this grade, established within the limits of the State.
Another and a larger building was soon erected, and on October 29, 1805, an Act was passed by the General Assembly, entitled " An Act confirming a Grammar School in the county of Rutland," and the Rev. Elihu Smith, the Hon. James Witherell, and the Messrs. Chauncy Langdon, Aruna W. Hyde, Theophilus Flagg, Samuel Shaw, James Gilmore, Amos Thompson, John Mason, Enos Merrill, and Isaac Clark, were constituted a board of trustees under the title, " The Corporation of Rutland County Grammar School." March 11, 1807, Rollin C. Mallory was elected twelfth trustee, thus filling the Board.
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